Review
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Jean-Nicolas Audinot, Patrick Philipp, Olivier De Castro, Antje Biesemeier, Quang Hung Hoang, Tom Wirtz
Summary: This paper reviews the combination of Helium Ion Microscopy (HIM) and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), highlighting the advantages of the integrated HIM-SIMS instrument. The technique is capable of producing high-resolution elemental SIMS maps, while maintaining sub-nanometric resolution in the secondary electron microscopy mode. Applications in materials research, life sciences, and geology are also presented and summarized.
REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
C. N. Shyam Kumar, Saba Tabean, Audrey Morisset, Philippe Wyss, Mario Lehmann, Franz-Josef Haug, Quentin Jeangros, Aioha Hessler-Wyser, Nathalie Valle, Tom Wirtz, Santhana Eswara
Summary: This study evaluates the secondary electron dopant contrast in scanning electron microscopy and helium ion microscopy on boron implanted silicon samples, showing the impact of thermal firing on activation efficiency. The results demonstrate that HIM provides higher contrast than SEM and has a clear advantage in terms of activation efficiency.
SEMICONDUCTOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jelena Lovric, Neda Najafinobar, Michael E. Kurczy, Olivier De Castro, Antje Biesemeier, Lena von Sydow, Magnus Klarqvist, Tom Wirtz, Per Malmberg
Summary: This study developed correlative methodologies to investigate iron accumulation and subcellular localization in alveolar macrophages. By using nanoscale magnetic sector secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and various high-resolution imaging technologies, they found that iron accumulates in mitochondria and electrolucent compartments such as vacuoles, lysosomes, and lipid droplets.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Olga S. Ovchinnikova, Nikolay Borodinov, Artem A. Trofimov, Steven T. King, Matthias Lorenz, William Lamberti, David Abmayr, Anton Ievlev
Summary: Chemical imaging of polymers and polymer blends has traditionally been done using ToF-SIMS with limited spatial resolution, but recent work has focused on using HIM-SIMS for higher resolution. By utilizing HIM-SIMS, differentiation between PE and PP as well as imaging of phase-separated domains within PE has been achieved, demonstrating its potential for analyzing complex polymeric systems.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
D. Andersen, H. Chen, S. Pal, L. Cressa, O. De Castro, T. Wirtz, G. Schmitz, S. Eswara
Summary: In this study, high-resolution imaging of hydrogen and deuterium within Mg2Ni/Mg2NiH4 hydrogen storage thin films was achieved using a self-developed secondary ion mass spectrometer (SIMS) system attached to a commercially available dual-beam focused ion beam - scanning electron microscope (FIB-SEM) instrument. A novel approach using laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) was demonstrated to measure the size, shape, and distribution of the hydride phase in partially transformed films. The combination of these techniques provides new insights on hydride nucleation and growth within the Mg2NiHx system. Additionally, the efficacy of tracking deuterium as a hydrogen analog for SIMS imaging in high-vacuum chambers was demonstrated.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Soupitak Pal, Jenifer Barrirero, Mario Lehmann, Quentin Jeangros, Nathalie Valle, Franz-Josef Haug, Aicha Hessler-Wyser, C. N. Shyam Kumar, Frank Muecklich, Tom Wirtz, Santhana Eswara
Summary: Multiscale characterization of the hydrogenation process of silicon solar cell contacts based on c-Si/SiOx/ncSiCx(p) has been performed by combining dynamic secondary ion mass-spectrometry (D-SIMS), atom probe tomography (APT), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This new methodology sheds new insights on hydrogen distribution in technologically important photovoltaic materials.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Luca Cressa, Jonas Fell, Christoph Pauly, Quang Hung Hoang, Frank Muecklich, Hans-Georg Herrmann, Tom Wirtz, Santhana Eswara
Summary: Correlative microscopy approaches, such as nanoCT-SIMS imaging, are becoming popular in fields like materials and battery research. NanoCT allows nondestructive morphological analysis and generation of 2D and 3D overviews, but chemical analysis is also needed for advanced studies. This study demonstrates the feasibility and compatibility of a novel FIB-SEM-based correlative nanoCT-SIMS imaging approach, which can correlate morphological and chemical data.
MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yasashri Ranathunga, Temitayo Olowolafe, Emmanuel Orunesajo, Hackim Musah, Suk Kyoung Lee, Wen Li
Summary: We present a straightforward method for achieving three-dimensional ion momentum imaging. This method utilizes two complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor cameras along with a standard microchannel plates/phosphor screen imaging detector. The cameras are synchronized to measure the decay of luminescence generated by ion collisions and extract the time of flight. The time resolution achieved is better than 10 ns, primarily limited by camera jitters, but can reach better than 5 ns resolution when the jitter is minimized.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Yalda Davoudpour, Steffen Kuemmel, Niculina Musat, Hans Hermann Richnow, Matthias Schmidt
Summary: Investigations into the growth and self-organization of plant roots have attracted research interest in various fields. The researchers developed a workflow using confocal Raman micro-spectroscopy (CRM) combined with deuterium labeling to analyze plant growth. They found that CRM combined with deuterium labeling is a reliable method for analyzing plant growth.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Richa Gupta, K. C. Hari Kumar, M. J. N. V. Prasad, Prita Pant
Summary: Boron exists in the form of nano-sized metal borides in directionally solidified Ni-base superalloys, with a gradient in composition of Cr and W within these borides located along the grain boundaries. These borides are discrete and suppress the agglomeration of carbides at the columnar grain boundaries.
SCRIPTA MATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hiroyuki Takei, Kazuki Nagata, Natalie Frese, Armin Golzhauser, Takayuki Okamoto
Summary: By utilizing the nanostructures of butterfly wing scales, efficient SERS activity can be achieved, demonstrating its potential applications in the medical field. Selecting appropriate butterfly species and silver deposition thickness can lead to significant SERS effects.
Article
Thermodynamics
Jianguo Wu, Chao Luo, Kesu Zhong, Yi Li, Guoliang Li, Zhongming Du, Jijin Yang
Summary: To accurately and comprehensively analyze the properties of organic nanopores in marine shale, an integration method using helium ion microscope (HIM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), focused ion beam-HIM (FIB-HIM), and FIB-SEM was proposed. Results showed that organic pores below 10 nm significantly impact shale gas storage and productivity evaluation by affecting porosity, surface area, pore size distribution, and connectivity characteristics. The integration method revealed an increase in surface porosity by 10.73% and an increase in specific surface area by 76%. It also showed that the formation of organic nanopores occurs in multiple stages, with larger bubble pores appearing during oil generation and smaller spongy pores appearing during gas generation. The organic pores revealed by FIB-HIM exhibited higher coordination numbers and a higher proportion of inner-connected volume, indicating more complex connectivity characteristics. Despite limitations, these novel insights highlight the importance of exploring organic nanopores at the nanoscale and have the potential to inform further research in this field.
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Tian Lifeng, Liu Pei, Li Xuanze, Ma Yutian, Meng Xiangmin
Summary: Tungsten is considered a potential plasma facing material in nuclear fusion reactors, but various defects occur under helium irradiation. Helium ion implantation experiments on alpha- and beta-phase W films revealed different roles of crystal phases in helium bubble formation. Grain boundaries play a crucial role in the radiation resistance of nanostructured materials.
FUSION ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Rebekah E. Simon, Samuel C. Johnson, Omar Khatib, Markus B. Raschke, David A. Budd
Summary: Low permeability unconventional oil and gas resources may experience formation damage due to the emplacement of viscous petroleum in narrow pore throats during petroleum migration and production. A new correlative imaging technique with high spatial resolution is demonstrated for migrated residual petroleum in nanopores of Niobrara chalk samples.
Despite outstanding challenges, correlative IR s-SNOM and nano-mechanical imaging offer a promising and novel analytical approach to understanding fluid behavior in nanoporous reservoir rocks.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Matthias Schmidt, James M. Byrne, Ilari J. Maasilta
Summary: Helium-ion microscopy (HIM) is a high-resolution imaging technique capable of resolving some of the tiniest structures in biology. By using helium ions instead of electrons, HIM offers higher surface sensitivity and larger depth of field, making it a powerful tool for imaging biological samples.
BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Tine Vigdel Bredal, Udo Zimmermann, Merete Vadla Madland, Mona Wetrhus Minde, Alexander D. Ost, Tom Wirtz, Jean-Nicolas Audinot, Reidar Inge Korsnes
Summary: This study used HIM-SIMS imaging method to analyze chalk and revealed the exact location of mineral phases, providing new insights into mineralogical processes in the field of IOR. The research highlights the importance of studying mineralogical processes at the nanometer scale.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Alba Salvador-Porroche, Lucia Herrer, Soraya Sangiao, Patrick Philipp, Pilar Cea, Jose Maria De Teresa
Summary: This study introduces a simple method for efficient decomposition of Pd-3(OAc)(6) spin-coated thin films using a focused Ga+ beam, resulting in metallic-enriched Pd nanostructures. The structures fabricated exhibit a metallic Pd content above 50% with low electrical resistivity. Proof-of-concept applications include creation of electrical contacts to nanowires, fabrication of small gaps between large metallic contact pads, and fabrication of large-area metallic meshes.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Olivier De Castro, Jean-Nicolas Audinot, Hung Quang Hoang, Cherif Coulbary, Olivier Bouton, Rachid Barrahma, Alexander Ost, Charlotte Stoffels, Chengge Jiao, Mikhail Dutka, Michal Geryk, Tom Wirtz
Summary: The article introduces the use of magnetic sector secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) on a widely used instrument, focused ion beam (FIB)-scanning electron microscopy (SEM), for nanoscale investigations. It provides a detailed description of the instrument's layout and performance, as well as the research results obtained in various fields. The system demonstrates versatile capability for high-performance correlative studies in materials science and life sciences.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
D. Andersen, H. Chen, S. Pal, L. Cressa, O. De Castro, T. Wirtz, G. Schmitz, S. Eswara
Summary: In this study, high-resolution imaging of hydrogen and deuterium within Mg2Ni/Mg2NiH4 hydrogen storage thin films was achieved using a self-developed secondary ion mass spectrometer (SIMS) system attached to a commercially available dual-beam focused ion beam - scanning electron microscope (FIB-SEM) instrument. A novel approach using laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) was demonstrated to measure the size, shape, and distribution of the hydride phase in partially transformed films. The combination of these techniques provides new insights on hydride nucleation and growth within the Mg2NiHx system. Additionally, the efficacy of tracking deuterium as a hydrogen analog for SIMS imaging in high-vacuum chambers was demonstrated.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Christian Kameni Boumenou, Himanshu Phirke, Jonathan Rommelfangen, Jean-Nicolas Audinot, Shiro Nishiwaki, Tom Wirtz, Romain Carron, Alex Redinger
Summary: Alkali post deposition treatments (PDTs) have been used to improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of Cu(In,Ga)Se-2 solar cell devices. However, a detailed understanding of how PDTs impact the nanoscale optoelectronic properties is still lacking. In this study, various scanning probe techniques and spectroscopy methods were used to show that RbF PDT treatments result in an exchange of Rb with Cu at the surface. The existence of the RbInSe2 phase is unlikely to be responsible for the recent improvements in PCE.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Luca Cressa, Yanyan Sun, Dustin Andersen, Mathieu Gerard, Olivier De Castro, Dennis Kopljar, Maryam Nojabaee, Kaspar Andreas Friedrich, Guido Schmitz, Tom Wirtz, Santhana Eswara
Summary: The global transition to green energy highlights the importance of efficient and reliable energy storage systems. Advanced analysis and characterization of battery materials are crucial for understanding their properties and continued development. A new operando methodology has been developed to analyze solid-state batteries (SSBs) structurally and chemically during different stages of cycling. This method allows for analysis without transferring samples between instruments and provides a direct correlation between microstructure, chemical composition, and electrochemical performance.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Charlotte B. A. Stoffels, Tina B. Angerer, Herve Robert, Nathalie Poupin, Laila Lakhal, Gilles Frache, Muriel Mercier-Bonin, Jean-Nicolas Audinot
Summary: This study conducted a comprehensive lipidomic analysis on the liver of PFOA-exposed mice using three mass spectrometry techniques. It was found that over 350 hepatic lipids were significantly impacted by PFOA exposure, with phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), and triacylglycerol (TG) being the most affected lipid classes. The multi-modal mass spectrometry analysis revealed the lipidomic impact of PFOA in the mouse liver and provided new opportunities in toxicology research.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Enzo Moretto, Charlotte Stoffels, Carlos Eloy Federico, Vincent Rog, Mariapaola Staropoli, Iikpoemugh Elo Imiete, Jean -Nicolas Audinot, Pascal Steiner, Benoit Duez, Damien Lenoble, Jean-Sebastien Thomann
Summary: The current study presents the synthesis, characterization, and application of regio-selectively modified dendritic silica particles (RMDS) in tire rubber composites for the first time. These dendritic particles demonstrate superior mechanical reinforcement of rubber-based nanocomposites without any drawbacks as seen with fractal fillers. The use of RMDS along with a small amount of fractal filler shows higher reinforcement, better traction and rolling resistance indicators, paving the way for novel dual-filler systems in tire technology.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Tine V. Bredal, Alexander D. Ost, Tom Wirtz, Jean-Nicolas Audinot, Udo Zimmermann, Merete V. Madland, Mona W. Minde, Tina Puntervold
Summary: Seawater injection is used for improved oil recovery in chalk reservoirs on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The distribution of noncarbonate mineral phases on the chalk surface affects wettability. This study used HIM-SIMS to identify and quantify the noncarbonate phases, finding higher abundance than predicted by bulk geochemistry, which has implications for modeling in various applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Finn Babbe, Nicoleta Nicoara, Harvey Guthrey, Nathalie Valle, Omar Ramirez Sanchez, Damien Aureau, Hossam Elanzeery, Deepanjan Sharma, Jose Luis Virtuoso, Jean-Nicolas Audinot, Anastasiya Zelenina, Sevan Gharabeiki, Tom Wirtz, Susanne Siebentritt, Phillip J. Dale, Sascha Sadewasser, Diego Colombara
Summary: This study provides experimental evidence that the grain boundaries of sodium-doped CuInSe2 thin films may undergo reversible oxidation at room temperature, while undoped films may not. The findings are confirmed through various imaging and analysis techniques. These reactions raise new research questions about the role of alkali metal dopants and may lead to new breakthroughs in chalcopyrite solar cells.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Thierry Hellebois, Romain Canuel, Frederic Addiego, Jean-Nicolas Audinot, Claire Gaiani, Alexander S. Shaplov, Christos Soukoulis
Summary: The implementation of cryogels as alternative xero-carriers for embedding labile bioactive compounds including probiotic living cells is becoming more popular. In the present study, milk protein-based cryogels were developed and characterized for their physicochemical, microstructural, and mechanical properties. The cryogels showed varying characteristics depending on the composition of the milk proteins used. The study also demonstrated the successful entrenchment of probiotic cells within the cryogels, highlighting their potential as novel probiotic xero-scaffolds.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jeremy Hieulle, Anurag Krishna, Ariadni Boziki, Jean-Nicolas Audinot, Muhammad Uzair Farooq, Joana Ferreira Machado, Marko Mladenovic, Himanshu Phirke, Ajay Singh, Tom Wirtz, Alexandre Tkatchenko, Michael Graetzel, Anders Hagfeldt, Alex Redinger
Summary: Light-induced degradation in metal halide perovskites is a major concern for the commercialization of perovskite optoelectronic devices. This study investigates the role of white light in the surface degradation of FAPbI3-rich perovskite absorbers. The results show that white light triggers the chemical degradation of perovskite into secondary phases with higher work function and metallic I-V characteristics. Additionally, the degradation is found to be a combined mechanism involving both light and the presence of defects. The findings provide insights for material engineering and device design to achieve stable perovskite optoelectronic devices.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Tine Vigdel Bredal, Udo Zimmermann, Reidar Inge Korsnes, Mona Wetrhus Minde, Wakshum Mekonnen Tucho, Jean-Nicolas Audinot, Merete Vadla Madland
Summary: Natural fractures play a crucial role in hydrocarbon transportation in carbonate reservoirs. However, they can hinder the desired effects of water injection and improved oil recovery. This study investigates the chemical and textural alterations in an artificial fracture in Upper Cretaceous chalk and provides insights into the formation and concentration of minerals that can reduce fracture permeability over time.
GEOENERGY SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Patrick Philipp, Gregoire Defoort, Alan Bahm, Tom Wirtz
Summary: The study investigates the potential of ultra-low energy ion beam processes and highlights the importance of considering deposition of residual gas molecules in the instrument chamber. Ion-induced sputtering and deposition may compete depending on ion energy and irradiation density, with the quality of vacuum significantly impacting the process.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
